NewCities Foundation Names Sébastien Turbot as New Executive Director

Montréal, Québec – December 5, 2017. The NewCities Foundation has today named Sébastien Turbot as its new Executive Director. Before his nomination, Mr. Turbot was the Executive Director and Global Head of Content at Auditoire/TBWA in Paris, one of the most important thought leadership event agencies.

He has also been the Curator of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), a massive annual event organized by the Qatar Foundation. Prior to joining Auditoire, Turbot was Editor-in-Chief of TEDxParis, the leading Francophone Ted licensee, and curated content on topics that are shaping our world and future. Mr. Turbot also held several senior positions in the Middle East and Central Asia. He cofounded and served as the CEO of Sayara Strategies, a top social communication and public information agency operating in Afghanistan, and designed strategies for communities of the future. He has also been a visiting professor at Sciences Po, one of the most prestigious universities in France.

As the new Executive Director of NewCities, Mr. Turbot will oversee all aspects of the Foundation’s operations and projects. He takes over from Maxwell Anderson who has returned to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Sébastien Turbot said:

“Concerted actions from public, private and civil society actors are required to improve life in cities around the world. NewCities brings together an unprecedented global network of urban stakeholders who are working towards the Foundation’s goal of making cities more inclusive, connected, healthy and vibrant.”

“I am excited to have the chance to work closely with the NewCities team as well as its Members,” he added.

John Rossant, Chairman of the NewCities Foundation said:

“I am delighted to welcome Sébastien as our new Executive Director. His appointment sets the stage for a renewed period of strong growth for NewCities. He shares our commitment to making cities better places to live and possesses an impressive skill set that is ideally suited to grow our Foundation.”

“I look forward to working with him to reenergize the Foundation, especially at this time when so many of the important challenges we face in our societies are being met by cities and regions.”

Mr. Turbot will begin his duties this week and will be based in the Foundation’s Montreal head office.

About NewCities

NewCities is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to making cities more inclusive, connected, healthy and vibrant. Focusing on people, places and policies, we bring together a global network of public and private sector leaders and Urban Tech innovators to foster results-oriented collaboration. We also produce actionable research that can be implemented by decision-makers across sectors.